Naitanui to go under knife

West Coast ruckman Nic Naitanui will begin preseason preparations later than his Eagles team-mates after opting to undergo groin surgery in the off-season.

The 22-year-old, who was recognised with All-Australian selection in 2012, played through a groin complaint in the later rounds last season.

Naitanui, who has been on leave until this week, consulted a specialist on Wednesday after continuing to suffer discomfort during his off-season break.

He will go under the knife next week, the club said in a statement.

"Nic was managed in the latter stages of the 2012 season and, based on medical advice, we were hopeful that with a good rest period he would avoid the necessity for surgery," football operations manager Neale Daniher said.

"Because Nic was still sore after a lengthy period of rest, we booked an appointment for him to meet with a specialist today. As a result of that consultation, Nic will have surgery next week.

"We expect Nic to begin running early in the New Year and progress his recovery to be ready for the start of the season."